My Substitute CEO Bride
Chapter 385

Chapter 385

James could see through everything. Lauren’s cousins who married into the family were from poor backgrounds. Only the partners of the women who were married off came from prominent families.

Harrison was considered one of the outstanding ones among the Mares’ sons-in-law.

This gave Harrison the courage to stand up against the others.

“Harrison… watch your words. You’re in the Mares’ property now, not the Lewises’!”

A middle-aged man with an ashen complexion said in a deep voice.

It was Lauren’s eldest brother, Leonard.

“Uncle Leonard… I think that Uncle Harrison has a point. Aunt Lauren finally returned. It’s fine that no one showed her any hospitality. However, everyone dares to verbally target her. If word gets out, aren’t you just giving people a reason to laugh at us?”

Yvonne pouted as she defended her aunt.

Leonard’s wife, Minerva, said coldly, “The adults are talking. Why is a brat like you speaking?”

James snorted. “The Mares are talking. Why are you speaking?”

Minerva used to work in a foot massage parlor.

Leonard had a drunken one-night stand with Minerva and got her pregnant.

To prevent anyone from gossiping, he had no choice but to marry her.

Old Mare disliked Minerva the most.

She was the last one who would have a say among the Mares.

“I’m Leonard’s wife. My name is on our marriage certificate. How am I not part of the family?

“You, on the other hand… You were just adopted by Old Mare. You’re not related by blood or anything! What gives you the right to criticize me?”

Minerva snapped as she crossed her arms.

James sneered, “Leonard… do you share the same sentiment?”

Leonard gulped.

At the end of the day, he had to recognize James as his brother.

He knew James’ temper very well. If Leonard dared to anger James, he would be taught a valuable lesson.

“That’s enough, Minerva… Keep quiet!”

Leonard did not want to dwell on this topic anymore, so he said with a smile, “Dr. Tanner cured Old Mare’s illness. We should be happy! I’ve made a reservation at Oste Capiton Hotel to celebrate his recovery and give Liam and Lauren a warm welcome!”

“I’m glad that the old man is fine, but we won’t disturb your family reunion!” One of Leonard’s cousins said and left with his family.

“We’re leaving too. If anything happens, remember to call us!” another middle-aged man said.

Not long after, Zeke’s children were the only ones left in the villa.

James then stared coldly at Leonard. “Lincoln is stuck abroad, and Liam isn’t married yet, so… it’ll be hard for him to gain a foothold in the family. After Lauren got married, she lost her right.

“They don’t have any shares in their hands. Within your father’s lineage, you’re the only one who holds 5% of the shares, so you’re the only one who gets a say. Do you really believe that you can handle the other three lineages by yourself?”

Zeke had three brothers. Each brother owned 20% of the Mares’ shares, and the remaining 20 % was held by the shareholders.

The Mare family’s shareholders’ meeting was composed of distant relatives, and each successive patriarch was elected by the shareholders’ meeting through a vote. Therefore, even if Zeke transferred his 20% share to Leonard, if this lineage did not work together in unity, the position of patriarch would only end up in the hands of the other lineages.

“You’re right, James…” Leonard mumbled half-heartedly, not taking James’ words to heart.

He had already considered this, but now there were two options in front of him.

He could either bring Liam, Lincoln, and Lauren together and work together for the position of family head.

Or he could go his own way and take over the other 15% of his father’s shares alone.

Capiton’s business world was in chaos. Even if they were reunited, they may not be able to bring high profits to the company.

With the uncertainty of the outcome, it was unlikely for the others to vote for his lineage during the shareholders’ meeting.

Hence, he chose the latter option. He wanted to monopolize the entire 20% of the shares within his father’s lineage.

It was already the end of the day.

At a rest area, Nash called Hera.

Hera told Nash everything that happened during the day without forgetting to smugly take credit for her actions today. “What do you think? I was pretty cool today, right? Hurry and praise me.